Legislative Advocacy

Your Credit Union, Your Voice, Your Impact

The Leagues' Government Affairs team works diligently in Sacramento, Carson City, and Washington, D.C. We promote credit unions' legislative agenda, review hundreds of bills each year, and provide credit union leaders with opportunities to meet with legislators. Please take part in these essential advocacy efforts. (Continue to meet the staff...)

California and Nevada's voice in Washington D.C. The Leagues are the only Leagues with a full time staff dedicated to working with Congress, Government Agencies, and Federal Regulators. The resources in this area will help you keep informed of the latest developments and credit union priorities.

State Government Advocacy efforts brings the voice of credit unions to Sacramento and Carson City. Our advocacy team works daily with elected officials, staff, the executive offices, gubernatorial appointees, and the decision-makers of California and Nevada. This area will keep you updated on all advocacy efforts at the state level of Government.

From the Editors of CU Weekly

L-R: Rep. Scott Peters, D-CA; and Rep. John Campbell, R-CA

CAPITOL HILL UPDATE ON CA, NV CUs updated
07/01/13 07:48 AMMovement Begins a Marathon
From taxes to nominations and everything in between, there’s been a high level of credit union activity on Capitol Hill over the past week. Members of Congress are working this week in their districts through the July 4 holiday and will return to Washington, D.C. next week for a sprint to the August recess.

The following is a sample of some of the top issues affecting credit unions that the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues are following:

Despite what many have said, credit unions must treat this as a true threat. All competing interests (not just banks) will be asking members of Congress to engage on their behalf. This process will run through the beginning of August and possibly beyond.

New MBL Co-Sponsor
Regulatory relief remains at the top of credit unions' agenda. Credit unions can push Congress to enhance the credit union charter while defending the movement's tax status at the same time. (Members of Congress support credit unions by co-sponsoring legislation to strengthen the credit union charter).

From Nevada, all four of the House delegation are co-sponsors of H.R.688, which raises the member business lending cap.

From California, the 34th co-sponsor (out of 53) joined the bill this week. Rep. Scott Peters, D-CA (San Diego), is the latest to join 106 other members of Congress. The Leagues and credit unions thank him and his other colleagues for their support.

The House Financial Services Committee has been developing a regulatory relief package, which remains under construction. It's likely a hearing will be held in the summer or fall months to assemble a package. Continuing to gain co-sponsors for these credit union bills is the best way to ensure they are included in this package.

The nomination of Richard Metsger to be the next board member of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) was considered in the Senate Banking Committee. Credit unions should expect the committee to pass Metsger’s nomination sometime in July.

Longtime CU Friend Retires
Rep. John Campbell, R-CA (Orange County), announced last week he will retire at the end of this congressional session. Campbell has been a strong advocate for credit unions on the House Financial Services Committee during his service.

What’s Next
Congress returns next week in a marathon session leading up to the August recess. During the month of August, members of Congress will be at home in their districts, where the Leagues will be encouraging all to participate in district meetings.

When Congress returns in September, the Leagues will welcome member credit union representatives to join the Leagues in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 9-11 for a "Hike the Hill" gathering. This will be an opportunity to talk to Congress directly about the credit union movement's tax status, regulatory relief measures, and the future of the credit union movement.

Grassroots Advocacy efforts connects you to your government. Whether issues arise at the Federal or State level, you can be an advocate for your credit union by participating in our programs. Using traditional Grassroots tactics, the Leagues connects you to our cause.

Political Action Committees are organized for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect and defeat candidates, representing business, labor or ideological interests.

Talking Points

If your credit union would like talking points for an issue, such as member business lending (MBL) or supplemental capital, the Leagues' Consumer Advocacy Department can develop one to suit your particular needs. Please contact Public Affairs and Consumer Advocacy Specialist Tina Ramos-Ingold at tinar@ccul.org, or by phone at 909-212-6050.